Dell has released a new 10GbE switch family designed for high-density and high-performance applications such as video conferencing and virtual desktop deployments.

The PowerConnect 8100 switches have 10GbE performance and up to 40GbE ports and can be scalable up to six switches for added capacity.

Dell Networking VP and general manager Dario Zamarian said the switches provide the missing link for Dell’s end-to-end 10GbE solution when teamed with Dell PowerEdge 12^th generation servers which have 10GbE on board and Dell’s EqualLogic and Compellent 10GbE storage arrays.

“We’re investing significantly in our networking portfolio, including PowerConnect and Force10, to provide customers a full 10 and 40GbE networking solution from the campus tot eh data center,” Zamarian said.

The 8100 switches are designed for deployment in small core,  mid-market network infrastructures and the enterprise campus.

It features iSCI traffic flow optimization and automated configuration with Dell EqualLogic storage arrans.

The switches come with 24 or 48 ports in dedicated RF-45 or fiber models which can be expanded to 40GbE capable QSFP+ ports, to allow companies to cater for future network demand.

Dell said the switches have also been designed with energy efficiency in mind, using Energy Efficient Ethernet (802.3az) to manage power and reduce consumption for inactive or idle ports.